Overview
Much of Marrickville's Victoria Road is proposed for development, with an 18-hectare area between Enmore Road and Sydenham Road currently under rezoning consideration. If it receives approval, it won't just see an influx of mix-used developments — featuring residential, retail and commercial components, as well as open spaces — but also, around Rich Street, a hub for creatives and artists.
Across three multi-storey buildings spanning 13,000 square metres, the Rich St proposal endeavours to bring together fledgling businesses, established arts operators and more, over a range of creative fields. Catering to around 500 artists, onsite work space will be flexible to encourage interaction, with the project receiving input from artists and industry leaders from the local community. According to the development website, it aims to create "a permanent home for the creative industries, start-ups and the arts, that builds upon the existing established culture in Marrickville."
Located beside and behind The Factory Theatre, Rich St will also turn the site's current warehouses and timber yard into public parkland, as well as cafes, an exhibition space, a potential openair screening space and a rooftop bar. While it's still a matter of it, rather than when, it comes to fruition — amid concerns about the vast development plans in the area — there's no doubting that it'll prove a huge change for Marrickville if it goes ahead.
For more information about the proposed Rich St development, visit the project website.